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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is RG-8X Coax?

Learn about RG-8X coaxial cable, its advantages, limitations, and typical amateur radio applications.

Getting Started HF Fundamentals Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn about RG-8X coaxial cable, its advantages, limitations, and typical amateur radio applications.

Explanation

Overview RG-8X , often called Mini-8 , is a flexible 50-ohm coaxial cable that offers lower attenuation and higher power handling than RG-58 while remaining considerably lighter than full-size coaxial cables. Typical Characteristics 50-ohm characteristic impedance. Outside diameter of approximately 0.242 inches (6.1 mm). Good flexibility. Moderate attenuation. Advantages Good compromise between weight and performance. Easy to transport. Lower loss than RG-58. Well suited for portable operation. Limitations Higher attenuation than LMR-400 and RG-213. Less suitable for very long feed lines. Typical Applications POTA activations. SOTA activations. Field Day. Portable HF stations. Applied to Chameleon Products RG-8X is one of the most commonly recommended feed lines for Chameleon portable antenna systems because it provides an excellent balance between portability, flexibility, and RF performance. Related Articles What Is RG-58 Coax? What Is LMR-400 Coax? What Is Feed-Line Loss? What Is Coaxial Cable? Related Products CHA MPAS Lite CHA MPAS 2.0 CHA LEFS Series CHA TDL

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.